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DEVELOPER
Iguanna Entertainment
PUBLISHER
Acclaim
AVAILABLE
Now
MEDIUM
Cartridge
PLAYERS
One
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 eing one of a number of Nintendo
64 titles that were supposed to hit consumers at the AAA level, expectations
for this shooter were undoubtedly astronomically high. Iguana has met,
and in some instances exeeded these expectations and Turok is the result
their efforts.
I must admit, throughout my initial day of play I was continually surprised
by Turok’s near-perfect mood-setting graphical quality -- the outstanding
character animation and the cleverly assembled array of transparent weapon
effects must be seen to be believed. Watching a Soldier or Tribesman approach
as he shifts his center of gravity avoiding obstacles and projectiles,
realistic death motions such as an enemy gripping his lacerated neck after
being mortally wounded and hitting the ground writhing in pain or a raptor
rolling around on its back spasmatically, and some of the end-level openents
is almost reason enough to take this game for a spin. Unfortunately, after
a few days, things seemed to drag on through similarly toned locations
and surroundings in which the variety of actions and objectives remained
constant; find the level keys and take out anything in your way...
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Note that all of these spectacular looking enemies
are rendared by the Nintendo 64 and are not the fruit of more expensive
hardware.
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Complimenting the incredible visuals is an intuitively well-laid-out
set of controls that will probably remind any PC shooter fan of the keyboard/mouse
combination that provides so much more aiming flexibility then realistically
priced alternatives. Many people will find the configuration constrictive
during the first few hours of play but will soon master it and realize
it’s necessity. Aiming and turning are accomplished via the control stick
shooting with the trigger, and movement (forward/backward motion, strafing,
etc.) via the C-group. To jump, R is used and to the toggle the map view
and walk/run modes, L and the control pad are utilized respectively. The
latter two are the only actions out of immediate reach. This new control
method (using the vertically and horizontally aligned C-Group for movement)
makes it clear why Nintendo developed its pads in this fashion.
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Detail is a regular and integral part of Iguana's
immediate vocabulary as is made readily apparent in instances such as this
-- notice the foam and mist rising from the waterfall. Upon closer examination,
you'll even notice inconspicuous bubles from an under-water vantage point.
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The game's sound always fit the mood of play nicely. The anmal sounds
and voice are especially convincing; screaches, roars, and jungle sounds
will make you think you're in a regular Jurrasic Park. Accompanying this,
is the rythmic, although somewhat melodically challenged music. The drum
tracks enhance the game but at times, when a cord or two is introduced,
it feels out-of-place and thrown together to a certain extent.
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Platform elements such as this appear regularly in
Turok. These will prove difficult to navagate for the first day of play
but will soon proove easily overcome after a bit of experience is attained.
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All in all, this N64 title should be rented before purchase is considered
as it may not appeal to everyone. First Person Shooter fans should definiteley
pick this up though -- it sets a new standard in its respective genre.
-- Chris Dratz
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